Eva Friede tried ripped jeans. And she likes them.

November 15, 2014 12:57 pm

Our fashion editor has finally succumbed.

I love them, as do some of my friends, from the sensible to the high-fashion stylistas. But yes, I did get some snarky comments and strange looks at the office. All in good fun, as my fashion proclivities are part of my persona at this point, although I am usually dressed comfortably, in very acceptable contemporary style.”
— Eva Friede

The experience wasn’t without its incidents, including when her left foot went through one of those rips as she was putting a pair on. Still:

I was delirious with fashion fever, trying them with pointy nude pumps, sandals and booties, and pairing them with silky tunics, lace tops and slick blazers. (The nude pumps are brilliant with the jeans, BTW.)”

The ripped jean has entered the denim lexicon, and is going strong for next spring. Ted Rozenwald, president of Manhattan International, which imports AG denim, says ripped jeans are fresh again. For next spring, AG will have jeans digitally printed with rips to get the look, but without the danger of putting your foot through them and ripping them into oblivion.

Styles now on offer sport gaping holes at the knee; others have multiple large patches. The tame ones might have a little rip here and there, or a few mended holes.

So how does one wear them?

For an adult, there is one basic rule to showing off your shreds: everything else must be crisp, clean, tailored and sharp. Classic works, too. Nude pointy pumps or other fancy footwear elevate the look, as does a classic white shirt or beautifully tailored blazer. And accessorize, please! You don’t want anyone to think you’re not put together.

Do the rips cost extra?

Yes, they do. Good shredded denim is expensive. A pair from R13 on SSense costs a heart-stopping $605.

Will this fashion become normal?

It depends on how they hold up in the wash. Apparently they are quite delicate.

What do people think?

Aside from some funny looks she got on the street, the reaction was overwhelmingly positive.